Fans of the Big Mac were big mad across the Middle East as a fast food civil war heated up over split support for Israel and Gaza leading to one location being “destroyed.”
Global jihad appeared to strike the golden arches Friday when a McDonald’s in Saida, Lebanon was physically targeted in response to humanitarian efforts by their Israeli counterparts. Following the terror attacks by Hamas on October 7, McDonald’s Israel announced donations of “tens of thousands of meals,” Business Insider reported, igniting a wave of counter-support throughout the Arab world.
Specifically, after Hamas leader Khalid Mashal had called for a “general mobilization” of jihad across the world, an unknown amount of damage was caused to a McDonald’s in Israel’s northern neighbor as protesters waving Palestinian flags could be seen pushing their way inside.
“McDonald’s in Israel announced that it will send 4,000 food packages daily to military personnel,” read one post featuring Israel’s being supported juxtaposed with protesters. “In neighboring Lebanon, people did not appreciate this PR move by an international corporation and destroyed one of the McDonald’s outlets.”
McDonald’s in Israel announced that it will send 4,000 food packages daily to military personnel. In neighboring Lebanon, people did not appreciate this PR move by an international corporation and destroyed one of the McDonald’s outlets. pic.twitter.com/YNdRScmu2Y
— Guardian (@Kanayoury) October 14, 2023
Insider detailed that, on McDonald’s Israel’s private Instagram account, it was announced, “McDonald’s donated and continues to donate tens of thousands of meals to [Israel Defense Forces] Units, the police, hospitals, residents around the Strip and all rescue forces. We continue donating thousands of meals daily to our forces across the country. In addition to a 50% discount to soldiers and security forces who come to our branches.”
The fast food chain further noted that five restaurants had been opened with the sole purpose of aiding the security forces to continue preparing and delivering meals in support of Israel after 12,000 had already been handed out as of Thursday.
The local franchisee is independently owned and operated, much like those throughout the Middle East that countered Israel’s support with their own show of solidarity for the people of Gaza.
In one post to social media over the weekend, an individual summarized the nations that had put their weight behind the Hamas-controlled land and stated, “McDonald’s Lebanon announced they will be donating [$70,000] to Gaza…After McDonalds Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar donating to Gaza.”
McDonald’s Lebanon announced they will be donating 70,000$ to Gaza
After McDonalds Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan , Bahrain, Oman and Qatar donating to Gaza
Free Palestine
https://t.co/n3lq43WYNL pic.twitter.com/8woDBFPEZX
— Эсса Али Essa Ali (@ESSA_A1I) October 15, 2023
In their own statement, similar to messages pumped out from the other franchisees, McDonald’s UAE wrote, “McDonald’s UAE is a local enterprise, with full ownership and operation overseen by Emirates Fast Food Company LLC, an entity with a focus on serving great food and providing exceptional service. Our dedication is to deliver the McDonald’s experience you love and trust, while also supporting our local community.”
“We are deeply saddened by the events in the region and in light of the ongoing crisis in Gaza, McDonald’s UAE is donating AED 1 Million to Emirates Red Crescent, towards their ‘Tarahum for Gaza’ campaign,” the statement continued of the mission that translated to “Compassion for Gaza.”
— McDonald’s UAE (@McDonaldsUAE) October 14, 2023
The sum from the United Arab Emirates amounted to just over $270,000 in American currency meeting $100,000 from Oman, $250,000 from Kuwait and a reported $1 million from Turkey “to the people of Gaza who are victims of war, especially women, children and the elderly.”
The differences in franchise owners didn’t stop many for calling for a boycott against McDonald’s altogether while others perceived the “McCivil War” as a lighthearted contest in the midst of great tragedy.
Following its support for #Israel, the Palestinians are calling for a boycott of McDonalds around the world. pic.twitter.com/cVK9JEsEWY
— AbuAliEnglish (@AbuAliEnglishB1) October 14, 2023
McCivil War
— IVEC (@bcyw82g3fv) October 14, 2023
The McDonalds War I can’t I know this is serious so I shouldn’t laugh but it’s still the lightest thing I’ve seen all day so I feel I can allow myself a giggle or two
Thank you ❤️— JustSomeone (@_JustSome0ne_) October 14, 2023
Native of Brooklyn, NY, Kevin Haggerty is a graduate of Hunter College where he studied Cultural Anthropology and Geography. An avid reader and truth seeker, he currently resides in Texas with his wife and their dog and, when he isn't researching current events and their impacts, you'll find him spending time with friends and family or working on his next novel.
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